Diwali is supposed to be a festival of lights, happiness, and togetherness. It's when families come together, homes are decorated with diyas and lights, and everyone looks forward to celebrating. But for me, Diwali also means packing my bags and leaving home.
I am 16, live in Noida, and have mild asthma and breathing difficulties. Over the years, I have realised that the days around Diwali, particularly those that follow the festival, can be difficult for me. The smoke from firecrackers, mixed with the already polluted air of the National Capital Region, makes breathing uncomfortable. I start coughing, experience irritation, and sometimes struggle to catch my breath. Even stepping outdoors can become unpleasant.
That is why, every year, I leave Noida before Diwali and travel to Jammu to stay with my grandparents. I return only after the worst days of pollution are over.
It is not exactly how I would like to spend my festival. While other children and teenagers look forward to celebrating at home with friends and family, I have to consider the air quality before making my plans. My family may or may not join me in Jammu, but I make the journey because I know that staying back in Noida could make my breathing problems worse.
For me, this is not a holiday or an exciting getaway. It is a way of protecting my health.
I love Diwali. I enjoy the lights, sweets, decorations, and excitement around the festival. I don't want people to stop celebrating or give up traditions that bring them happiness. But I wish we could celebrate without making the air so polluted that people like me have to leave their homes.
There are so many ways to enjoy Diwali, like people used to traditionally. The diyas, the decorations in our homes, exchanging sweets, spending time with family, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Do we really need so many firecrackers to make the festival special?
What bothers me most is that I have to plan my life around pollution. At 16, I should be looking forward to the holidays, meeting friends and enjoying the festival. Instead, I have to check when the pollution is likely to peak and make arrangements to stay away.
When I think about younger children, elderly people, and others with asthma or respiratory problems who don’t have the option of leaving the city, my heart feels heavy. Not everyone can pack a suitcase and escape to fresher air.
No one should have to leave their home to breathe comfortably. And no child should have to choose between celebrating a festival with family and protecting their health.
I am thankful to God for a home away from home, and I hope that one day I can celebrate Diwali in Noida without worrying about what the next morning will bring. Until then, my Diwali will begin with a journey to Jammu.
Because a festival that celebrates the triumph of light should not leave people struggling to breathe.